Do Mammograms Help or Not?

Published: February 12, 2002

To the Editor:

Re ''Putting Mammograms to the Test'' (Feb. 5): When experts re-evaluate the value of mammograms, they should also consider the unnecessary pain and anxiety inflicted on women.

Mammograms are generally extremely uncomfortable, and if an abnormality is found, the mental anguish continues for weeks or even months until the patients receive the results of the negative biopsies or follow-up mammograms.

This ordeal is often repeated year after year, every time a routine mammogram is performed.